San Francisco - January 08, 2008

Cool Beans

Coffee Bar Opens

No beans about it, coffee shops are the new wine bars.

But why replace one buzz with another?

Luigi di Ruocco (Mr. Espresso) and Jason Paul take you high and low at Coffee Bar — lofty new mud lounge by day, adult juice bar by night.

Custom touches (reclaimed Douglas fir tables, prints of local landmarks) highlight the bilevel industrial space in the deep Mission, where savvy baristas school you on the nuances of single-origin and fair trade beans with flights from Kenya, Guatemala, and Bolivia. Hold side-by-side comparisons of brewing techniques (regular drip vs. Clover brewed) while polishing off Patisserie Philippe croissants and Jasmine Ray pastries.

Look for food and wine pairings from the 50-bottle list with partners like Radio Africa & Kitchen. Or get a glass to go with the daily menu.

Either way, your cup runneth over.

Coffee Bar, 1890 Bryant Street, at Mariposa Street (415-551-8100 or coffeebar-usa.com).